This case study takes the reader deep into the cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica.  While searching for a destination for the best spring break ever, five students in an ecology class happen upon a story of sustainability that inspires them to visit a tropical resort devoted to ecotourism. Shortly after their arrival in the Savegre River Valley, they learn how the area became a model of sustainability from a chance encounter with the son of one of the original developers of the area. They learn about the ecohistory of Costa Rica, the importance of biodiversity and how it is threatened, nutrient cycles in the montane cloud forest, and the power of education in helping indigenous people maintain the ecosystems of their land. They also learn how successful and sustainable ecotourism involves the balancing of environmental suitability, economic viability, and social acceptability. The case is suitable for use in high school biology, ecology, and environmental science courses, as well as similar lower-division undergraduate science courses.